Replace Fluorescent Kitchen Light Boxes with Stylish, Energy Saving Options

Fluorescent lighting was once very popular in kitchens for its bright, evenly distributed light. But for many homeowners, the drawbacks of fluorescent kitchen fixtures - the harsh glare, buzzing noise, boring look - now outweigh the benefits. If your kitchen is still lit by boxy fluorescent lights, it may seem like time for an update.

The good news is you have lots of options for replacing fluorescent kitchen lighting with something more attractive and energy efficient. With styles ranging from sleek recessed LEDs to elegant pendant lights, there are many ways to give your kitchen a fresh new look while improving the quality of light.

Pros and Cons of Fluorescent Kitchen Lighting

First, let's review the advantages and disadvantages of those common fluorescent kitchen fixtures.

Pros:

• Provide bright, evenly distributed light throughout the kitchen
• Long lifespan - fluorescent tubes can last 10,000+ hours before needing replacement
• Cost effective - fluorescent tubes are relatively inexpensive

Cons:

• Buzzing noise from ballasts can be annoying in a quiet kitchen
• Harsh, glaring light is unflattering and can cause eye strain
• Dated, boring look does little for kitchen aesthetics
• Not energy efficient compared to newer options like LED

While fluorescent lights have served many kitchens well for decades, most homeowners are now ready for an upgrade. Let's look at some popular lighting options to replace those outdated fluorescent boxes.

Popular Lighting Options to Replace Fluorescents

Pendant Lights

Pendant lights involve hanging light fixtures from the kitchen ceiling, often over islands, sinks, or dining areas. Styles range from sleek mini-pendants to large drum pendants to multi-bulb chandeliers. The beauty of pendant lights is they provide both stylish design and directed task lighting right where you need it. Mini-pendant clusters make a particularly good replacement for fluorescent kitchen boxes.

Pros:

• Provide stylish focal points and dimension to kitchen lighting design
• Direct light right where needed over key work areas
• Come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, materials to suit your style

Cons:

• Won't provide complete lighting across the full kitchen space
• Number and placement need careful planning for proper illumination

Recessed/Can Lighting

Recessed downlights, often called can or high-hat lights, are the small circular fixtures set into kitchen ceilings. Available with LED, halogen, or other bulb options, recessed lights provide bright ambient illumination. Spaced evenly across the ceiling, they can completely replace fluorescent boxes as the kitchen's primary light source.

Pros:

• Streamlined, built-in look is clean and modern
• Bright, even lighting across the full kitchen ceiling
• Various trim and bulb options including energy efficient LED

Cons:

• May require wiring upgrades or extension boxes
• Multiple fixtures needed for broad, sufficient lighting

Undercabinet Lighting

Undercabinet lighting involves installing LED strip lights or puck lights right beneath wall cabinets and upper cabinets. This provides direct task lighting across countertops and other kitchen work zones. Undercabinet lighting is a great supplemental option when paired with new overhead ambient lighting.

Pros:

• Provides targeted task lighting where you need it
• Discrete strips or puck lights stay out of sight
• Easy DIY installation option with peel-and-stick LED strips

Cons:

• Won't fully illuminate overall kitchen by itself
• Visible undercabinet strips not for those wanting hidden light source

Track Lighting

Track lighting offers a modern, stylish approach to kitchen illumination. Flexible track heads on ceiling-mounted rails allow you to angle and adjust lights to highlight work areas. Tracks can replace fluorescents or supplement other new fixtures.

Pros:

• Heads are adjustable to direct light where needed
• Creates a modern, stylish look
• Easy to add/remove/reposition heads in the future

Cons:

• More difficult DIY install compared to other options
• Standout modern look won't appeal to all homeowners

Tips for Installing New Fixtures

When taking on a kitchen lighting upgrade, there are some key steps to follow for a smooth installation. Here are a few tips:

• Carefully measure the kitchen and proposed fixture locations
• Check that existing wiring will meet new lighting needs; upgrade boxes or wiring as needed
• Follow all electrical and safety precautions, or hire an electrician if uncomfortable DIYing electrical
• Choose ENERGY STAR-certified LED bulbs for recessed, pendant, or other fixtures to maximize energy savings
• Group a mix of lighting types (recessed + undercabinet, or pendant + track) for layered illumination
• Use dimmers to control brightness and set the desired ambiance

Planning the right lighting layout and sizes will ensure your new pendants, recessed lights, or other fixtures properly fill the kitchen with light. Get the placement right from the start and the rest of the installation process will follow.

Achieving the Updated Kitchen Look

The right mix of new, energy efficient fixtures not only improves kitchen function but also transforms the entire look and feel of the space. Here are some lighting design tips to give your kitchen a fresh, contemporary style:

• Combine ambient, task, and accent lighting for a layered lighting plan
• Use dimmers to control brightness from soft glow to bright task lighting
• Try unique layouts like perimeter lighting around upper cabinets or islands
• Mix pendant, recessed, and undercabinet lights for an eclectic look
• Paint the ceiling white and add trim for a clean, built-in lighting appearance

The dated look and harsh glare of fluorescent kitchen lighting can really drag down the style of an otherwise beautiful kitchen. But with some strategic upgrades, you can install fixtures that work with your kitchen design rather than against it. Just remember that properly illuminating a kitchen requires thinking about the space in zones - islands vs. perimeter, task vs. ambient, and so on. A good lighting plan addresses all these unique needs to fill the entire kitchen with clean, bright, and energy efficient light.

If your kitchen still relies on old fluorescent light boxes, now is the perfect time for an upgrade. Today's pendant lights, recessed lighting, undercabinet fixtures and more offer so many attractive options to not only enhance the aesthetic but also improve the comfort and function of your kitchen lighting. Just take some time to assess your space, lighting goals and style preferences. With the right planning and electrical preparations, you can install stylish new energy efficient lighting that will have your kitchen looking its absolute best.